Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
Let’s celebrate what we have built together, a community of creative minded artisans who share a passion for making beautiful things, learning new things, and sharing all we have accomplished with those we love.
Why does this matter beyond the obvious?
Just look at some of the qualities regularly associated with success and happiness: Passion. Creativity. Self-Discipline. A Desire to Improve. A Commitment to Learning. Persistence. Optimism.
Sound familiar?
We really enjoy having these conversations in our newsletter. We think it is important to remind everyone, ourselves included, that our chosen craft is more than it appears; it is a lifestyle and a reflection of our values. There is so much in the world that can lead us to pessimism. But every time you pick a pattern and a yarn and start to work, you are defying those forces and making a statement:
I will try and succeed.
Some of you asked why there was no newsletter last week. We are glad you missed us, though sorry to let you down. Here’s what is going on. As we head into late Spring and Summer, we will be going to our seasonal schedules, which means a newsletter every other week and slightly shorter hours at the shop.
We really believe in life balance. And we think that one of the qualities we like to exhibit should also be on that list: Practice what you preach. So, The Blue Purl Team will also try to slow down a bit, enjoy the extraordinary weather and give time to the loved ones we don’t always get to spend time with.
Keri is already way ahead of us. See her visit to the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt below. As you can tell, it's important not to sideline our passion; it is an integral part of our lives. So, it’s not so surprising that Keri found a woman crocheting in Aswan, a beautiful Upper Egyptian town along the Nile.
But, you don’t have to go all the way to the Middle East to slow down and breathe. It’s Memorial Day weekend. Let’s all use the time wisely. Our shop is closed Friday and Saturday (we're here today :) as we celebrate the unofficial start to summer. Please take care of yourselves. Recharge your overworked batteries. And then, let’s remember The Blue Purl’s motto:
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
See you soon!
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Don't you ❤️ these postcards from Keri!
**NOTE: SHOP CLOSED TOMORROW & SATURDAY
FOR
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND**
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SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
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**Holiday Shop Hours**
Thursday, 11am - 4 pm
CLOSED: Friday, 5/27 thru Monday, 5/30
No Open knitting
tomorrow, Friday, May 27th
Happy Memorial Day!
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Per Madison Township ordinance, the shop can no longer provide paper bags to customers. We urge you please to bring your own bag(s).
- With a $100 purchase, you are eligible to receive our popular TBP insulated mug compliments of the shop, while supplies last.
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We will be able to go back to helping for 5-10 minutes for drop-in issues on projects with yarn purchased from The Blue Purl.
- Keri will be on vacation (as you saw above.) and unavailable until early June. We wish her Bon Voyages!
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Just arrived for the beach (or not.) in summery fun colors both in solid and variegated are Yashi & Yashi Iro raffia. Please note: some colors are limited in quantity. We're working up some fun samples! Hopefully in shop soon :)
YARDAGE: 124 yards (113 meters) UNIT WEIGHT: 50 grams (1.76 ounces)
GAUGE: 3.0 to 5.0 sts = 1 inch
NEEDLE SIZE: US 6 - 9 or 4 - 5.5mm HOOK SIZE: 5mm (H) - 6.5mm (K)
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Pre-Orders on AMIRISU Issue 24 Spring/Summer 2022 |
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Harmonized by a soft palette of pastel and neutral hues, the twelve knitwear designs in this issue are inspired by the customs, family traditions, and special places that have contributed to each designer’s heritage.
Participating designers: Rosemary (Romi) Hill / Leeni Hoimela / Rastus Hsu / Sari Nordlund / Inese Sang / Megumi Sawada / Susanne Sommer / yamagara / Yucca / Dianna Walla / amirisu
Feature: Craft Guide to Toronto
Three locals, Laura Chau and Kiyomi & Sachiko Burgin, share some of their favorite spots in the city.
Plus, a project from Lori Ann Graham, a machine-quilted tote bag project, a look at Retrosaria Rosa Pomar’s new shop, and more!
Releases on: June 10th. Pre-Order your copy today by clicking here!
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We have been busy updating and restocking our kits with accessories and tops in seasonal cottons, linen, and silk blend fibers! See our new and reimagined kits on ecom or stop by the fireplace mantle at the shop.
Don't see a kit? This means it has sold out. No FOMO here! Just let us know via email at www.thebluepurl.com or call 973-377-5648 and we would be happy to put one together especially for you.) |
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We love W's recent take on Yumiko Alexander's Urban Chic, a purchase pattern, in none other than Woolfolk Stra. This pattern's originally written for DanDoh Silk+ which we also have on hand. This season's ideal accessory appropriate for occasions ranging from weddings, graduations to evenings out to ward off chilly a/c. Sample is the house! ps. W styled and took this outstanding photo. Wow!
Another idea for a simple to make yet dramatic wrap is Valdis Vrang's Augustine Shawlette (below), now available using our wide range of colors in DanDoh Silk+ - our shop sample uses 2 skeins. Want a much larger shawl? Well, 3+ skeins would do the trick. pps. emphatic YES to dropping stitches ... on purpose!
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In keeping with the blanket theme, consider a simple and meditative knit in Tin Can Knit's Malt baby blanket, free pattern on Ravelry, using none other than cozy and feather soft Blue Sky's Organic Cotton's solids or printed.
Would you like a slightly more challenging knit? Checkout our restocked Chevron Blanket kit, free pattern by Espace Tricot, also in Blue Sky's Organic Cotton printed or greys colorways. |
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Glint, Glide, Ejner - Sleeveless Beauties |
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Inspired by Woolfolk, we love Irene Lin's Glint Vest in Stra and think it would be super in Tage. What's better than best... no sleeves and lots of beautiful texture.
Another is Glide (below left), which is gorgeous in Stra. Come see it in person at the shop's trunk show, while it's still here. Ejner (right) just left the shop but was a dream in Tage. Oh, which to make first? |
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Royal Downton chez French Riviera |
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Did you hear there's a new Downton Abbey movie? How about a large Royal Downton shawl for the occasion in Blue Heron's Rayon Metallic? There's plenty of pizzazz in the yarn which effectively negates the need for beading.) |
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Inspired by Italy...Caitlin Hunter's Manarola is a fingering weight, colorwork top. In her words, " Manarola is the latest in my Knitaly series of summer tees inspired by places in Italy (and one in the Italian part of Switzerland) I want to visit someday!" We think Blue Sky's Woolstok Light, Brooklyn Tweed Peerie or Loft would offer an expansive palette.
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Rachel Misner describes her crocheted top as, " Toss on this colorful and oversized retro style tee this summer! The open stitches make this breezy tee perfect to use as a poolside cover up or to just pair with your favorite shorts. The bright colors and stripes make the texture pop!" A free pattern available on her blog. Berroco's Pima 100, Rowan Creative Linen or Sandnes Garn Line would be fab. |
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CocoKnits Maker Boards plus Ruler & Gauge set |
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When your kids ❤️ what you make them! |
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So, Colleen knocked it out of the park for her stylin' son, Aidan. She made him the Tin Can Knits Icefall Sweater (size inclusive from 0-6 mo. - Adult 4XL!!! Luv TCK for that). She used Primrose Homestead for the colorwork & The Farmer's Daughter Pishkin from our recent pop up. Colleen says, "He puts it on everyday!" Serendipity strikes again as it's actually been cool enough to do just that. Isn't it awesome when you're children/grands love what you make them :) |
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Gabby came in yesterday with her stunning Caresse by Orlane Sucche. She adapted the pattern to use 29 Bridges Sport for this beautiful cardi - LOVELY! |
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I n keeping with our short/no sleeve theme, Mia recently finished a test knit of the Bay Slipover for Jacqueline Cieslak in Woolfolk Far. Here, she's modelling this cool, modern take under the watchful eye of her kitty. Nice work and the color looks outstanding on you, Mia!
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Work In Progress...Kathleen is making HANA by Junko Okamoto using Plymouth's Homestead in Oatmeal for her daughter, Claire. Engaging and interesting texture...a work of art and love under construction for sure, Ms. K! |
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Kathie's knitting and knitting |
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Building in blues and white |
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Margaret finished her Building Blocks Blanket using Berroco Vintage Chunky. Yet another successful graduate of Keri's blanket class. Bravo, Margaret! |
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W's Uber Chic Charmaine... |
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BEFORE & AFTER… Woolfolk Stra is a perfect DK weight yarn for Yumiko Alexander’s airy Urban Chic wrap. The 50/50 linen merino mix has beautiful drape and the Stra colors are as sophisticated as the design. That said... it’s really an easy pattern and kept Wendy company while binging Hacks and listening to The Power Broker - well, actually, you could make a few of these listening to that book! There’s a Stra trunk show at TBP now!! Come see it:)
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